[9] He first worked as a mimic, making his debut at the Poly Variety Theatre on 10 June 1887, but soon changed his act to that of a "dramatic and descriptive singer".

[11] Chaplin toured America in the summer of 1890, including extended engagements at the Union Square Theatre in New York City.

[12] Although he never reached the height of stars like Dan Leno and Herbert Campbell, Chaplin was successful enough to have his name and portrait printed on the cover of sheet music for songs with which he was associated.

The Board of Guardians decided it was best to keep the brothers together, but ruled that Chaplin was legally responsible for both boys and ordered that he pay 15 shillings a week towards their joint maintenance.

[20] He did not pay any of this sum, so after a year Southwark Council issued an arrest warrant on Chaplin for neglecting to maintain his children.

[27] Chaplin was responsible for introducing Charlie to the entertainment industry when, in 1899, he got him a role in The Eight Lancashire Lads clog dancing troupe, which was run by a friend.

[28] Charlie later recalled seeing his father in a pub a few weeks before his death; Chaplin was happy to see the boy, and warmly hugged and kissed him for the only time in his life.

[29] The nature of music hall performing, whereby stars were expected to encourage customers to purchase drinks, led many in the industry to become alcoholics.

[16] Chaplin was penniless at the time of his death, and he nearly had a pauper's funeral until his younger brother Albert stepped in to pay the burial costs.